Information for Rogainers

Rogaining is the sport of long distance cross-country navigation for teams traveling on foot. Rogaining involves both route planning and navigating between checkpoints using a topographical map (what's a topo map?) and a compass. The object is to score points by finding these checkpoints located on the course within a specified time. Checkpoints may be visited in any order and are worth various points depending on their difficulty and location.

Teams consists of 2-5 people, although solo competitors are allowed in some shorter events. Teamwork, endurance, competition and an appreciation for the natural environment are features of the sport. Championship rogaines are 24 hours long, however rogaines can be as short as 2 hours.

HISTORY:

Rogaining can trace its roots back to Australia in 1947, when the first of many events with some of the features of rogaines was organized by the Melbourne University Mountaineering Club. These events led to the birth of the sport of rogaining in April 1976, in Melbourne. For even more info: History & Facts

Rogaine Committee Seeks Event and Course Consultants

Orienteering USA has a Rogaine Committee. The Committee is composed of active rogainers and serves as a liaison with the International Rogaining Federation. The Committee is charged with the development of the sport of rogaining in the U.S., that is, its goals are to increase both the number of rogaines and the number of active rogainers in the U.S. One of the primary tasks of the Committee is rogaine sanctioning; to this extent, the Committee provides a Course Consultant and an overall Event Consultant for each rogaine that applies to Orienteering USA for sanctioning.

The U.S. Rogaine Championships — and the North American Rogaining Championships when they occur in the U.S. — require sanctioning, with a set of fees charged by Orienteering USA much like that for regular orienteering A events. In addition to these Championships, any rogaine can apply for sanctioning, with all aspects of the course and event examined by the Committee. It is hoped that sanctioning will ensure a uniform level of quality among these events, and a useful source of support for organizers. Course and Event Consultants do not need to be members of the Rogaine Committee, and we gladly welcome all who feel they can contribute to the sport by filling these positions.